The refrigerator in your RV is a key component of your camping trip. The fridge can be powered by either propane gas or electricity.
This type of refrigerator works by utilizing the heat absorption principle discovered by Michael Faraday. This is done by using a boiler that separates water and ammonia.
Choosing a Refrigerator
Choosing the refrigerator for your RV is one of the most important decisions you can make. You want to look at the size of the fridge and consider whether it has an ice maker or other features that might be helpful for your needs.
Another factor to take into consideration is the power draw of the refrigerator. If you’re planning on using solar power to power your RV, you may want a fridge that consumes less energy.
If you’re planning on traveling long distances, you’ll also want to choose a fridge that can run on LP gas as well as AC power. A residential refrigerator designed for use in a home isn’t going to hold up well on the bumpy roads of an RV, so it’s important to invest in a fridge made specifically for RV travel and camping. This way, you can keep your food at safe temperatures while enjoying the freedom of an off-grid lifestyle.
Finding a Fridge
There are many different types of RV fridges that you can choose from, but the right one for your RV will depend on your individual needs. If you don’t have the space in your RV for a residential refrigerator, consider using coolers with ice blocks or getting a portable 12v electric fridge that works on its own.
You can also get absorption refrigerators that run on both propane and electricity, which is a good option if you’re often boondocking or spending days away from electric hookups. These are a little less efficient at cooling than compressor fridges, though.
You can find them in some newer travel trailers and Class A RVs, but they’re usually not used if you’re planning to camp or travel extensively. They can be more prone to ammonia leakage, too, which requires regular maintenance and repair. Also, they don’t cool as well if your RV is not level. They work best in RVs with a lot of empty space to allow air to circulate freely.
Installing a Fridge
When you’re a RVer, you need a fridge. Without it, your perishables are in danger of spoiling during long drives. To avoid this, you need to make sure the fridge is operating at its best.
If your fridge isn’t cooling efficiently, it may be time to get a new one. There are loads of styles and features you can choose from, so take your time deciding what kind is right for your RV. You’ll find double-door models, freezer-on-top refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and even stainless steel options.
Once you’ve found the perfect fridge, it’s time to install it. Before doing so, make sure the fridge is clean and that it fits. Also, make sure the propane line is shut off and capped off. After that, it’s a matter of screwing the fridge into place, leveling it, and plugging it in. Once the fridge is installed, it’s important to keep it properly leveled so that the door seal functions correctly and keeps cold air inside.
Repairing a Fridge
The RV refrigerator can be one of the most important components in your camper. It can be a huge disappointment when your RV fridge stops working. This can cause a lot of food loss and can be expensive to replace. However, you can troubleshoot many problems on your own if you know what to look for and have the right tools. A digital multimeter and a visual inspection are essential to keep handy.
First, check the fridge for power. You can usually test this by placing a multimeter around the heating element of the refrigerator. If you find voltage it means that the element is good and that the problem is elsewhere. If you smell ammonia or see yellow residue it’s likely that the absorber or thermocouple has a leak. This will require professional repair or replacement. Also, if you have an absorption fridge be sure to clean the flue regularly and check air flow. It is important that the refrigerator has easy air flow from the lower access area and up over the back side of the fridge to the vent.